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Marcelo Novais

- Managing Director of Ker & Downey® Africa DMC

A bit on Marcelo

Marcelo is one of our most seasoned adventurists. Having planned world class experiences for South American clients that include royalty, politicians and celebrities, if you’re looking for the best of the best, he’s your man. His passion for Africa combined with his extensive travels has made him one of the most knowledgeable people in the world when it comes to African travel.

Botswana

Top Activity

Game drives

Brazilian born and bred, with a passion for wildlife.I grew up in the Pantanal area in Brazil, where I developed my love for nature. I always had this wanderlust feeling and after years of visiting Africa I have finally decided to live here and be part of this beautiful continent

Just a few travel highlights

Top travel moments

A quick Q+A

Marcelo shares some tricks of the trade

Read

Listen

Favourite lodge/hotel in Africa?

“ Zarafa Camp“

Favourite African experience?

“Sleeping under the stars (Namíbia and Kruger Park)”

I travel because…

“It's the best way to really comprehend our world and what's in it.”

When I'm not planning adventures for my clients...

“I am cycling, hiking, or just enjoying a sunset somewhere (with a good wine in my hand)”

Best piece of travel advice?

Pack light and go further.”

Where would you like to travel to next?

“I want to see the Gorillas in Uganda”

What gear do you never travel without?

“Mosquito repellent”

Favourite quote?

"Life is more than the seeing of sights, it's a change that goes on, deep and permanent in the ideas of living".

Favourite drink?

“Definitely wine - a Pinot or a Shiraz”

Favourite Adventure type?

“Savannahs”

What one thing do you want to do before you die?

"Get face to face with the polar bears"

Top Wildlife (favourite wild animal)

"Elephants"

Marcelo’s top trips

LuxVenture® Trip

Sub Saharan Kenyan Experience

Experience Kenya's top reserves in one LuxVenture® expedition.

Duration9 Days

Price from$6,999

WhenJun - Oct

LuxVenture® Trip

Okavango Delta + Chobe Safari

Our best-selling six day Botswana safari ticks all the boxes at an unbeatable price.

Duration6 Days

Price from$2,985 - $4,898

WhenAll year round

LuxVenture® Trip

Tanzania Great Migration LuxVenture®

Find yourself in the epicentre of the world’s largest wildlife migration.

Duration9 Days

Price from$8,690 - $9,320

WhenJun - Oct

Client testimonials

What Marcelo's clients say.

09.08.2017

Peter King, USA

Meet our Adventurists

Meet Emma

With adventure solidly engrained in her soul Emma loves trying new things, experiencing new cultures and taking on new challenges. Emma puts together trips of a lifetime for her clients with unmatched care and professionalism.

I have a bachelor's degree in Business with a specialty in Human Resources but used all of my elective subjects to study tourism and fell in love with the subject and made it my life's passion.

Meet Razaan

Head of our dedicated concierge team. Razaan has a passion for looking after our clients. As concierge she ensures that she is one step ahead of every one of our guests to make sure every LuxVenture® trip goes down without a hitch.

Meet Patrick

Meet Johanna

Johanna is a positive and hardworking member of our German division. Being both well travelled and a people’s person Johanna puts together incredible trips for her German clients from smaller groups to very large incentive travel groups.

Meet Marcelo

The Managing Director of Ker & Downey® Africa DMC has over 15 years of experience operating as a product, operations and training manager within the luxury tour operators in São Paulo, Brazil. This background has given him expertise and unique insights into the demands and high expectations of boutique travel agencies and your valuable clients.

Meet Mariana

Mariana is the newest and most energetic addition to the South American team. When one reads through Mariana’s top travel moments one thing stands out: passion. She is passionate about travel and experiencing new things. Mariana is a portuguesse

Meet Sarah

Sarah is potentially our most epic adventurer. If there’s something adrenaline pumping, she’s done it or planning to do it. Sarah’s a world travelling adventurer that’s all about the experience and the ride.

A designer of luxury travel to Africa. Sarah aims to create magic memories, adventure and once in a lifetime experiences — may you have many of them.

Meet Lee

Lee Kelsall is our CEO, although he prefers the title Chief Adventure Officer internally - the perfect illustration for the strategy and direction he is currently enabling Ker & Downey Africa to pursue and perfect in the age old safari industry.